The FED Weekly

The conversation focused on key legislative and regulatory updates affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of July 19–25, 2026. Major developments included the unanimous House passage of H.R. 8823, which strengthens anti-fraud provisions in the Federal Employees Compensation Act, and new bipartisan efforts to improve indoor air quality in federal buildings in response to environmental concerns. A key theme that emerged was benefit adjustments for retired personnel, notably the application of earnings limits on the FERS Annuity Supplement and the mechanics of COLA calculations. The discussion explored finalized and proposed changes to federal Suitability Regulations, impacting how employees can be...

The conversation focused on the latest developments affecting federal employees and retirees during the week of July 12-18, 2026. A key theme that emerged was the introduction of the bipartisan PROMISE Act, designed to force Congress to address long-term Social Security solvency, with the 2026 Trustees Report forecasting potential benefit cuts by late 2032 if lawmakers fail to act. Several points were raised, including rising cost-of-living adjustments, changes to federal healthcare plans—such as increased premiums and prescription costs—and the controversial restriction on coverage for gender-affirming care, which has prompted legal challenges. The discussion explored the financial vulnerability of USPHS and NOAA...

The conversation focused on major changes affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of July 5–11, 2026. One concept discussed was the Office of Personnel Management’s shift to digital-only retirement processing, which has resulted in faster claim handling but requires meticulous form completion and a six-month cash reserve. A key theme that emerged was cost pressures, with significant FEHB premium increases and debates over OPM’s proposed access to medical records. The discussion explored Thrift Savings Plan performance, recent reforms like penalty-free withdrawals, and limits on postal rate increases. Several points were raised, including judicial preservation of Public Service Loan F...

We recap key developments for federal employees and retirees for the week of June 28 to July 4, 2026. Major regulatory changes include a new OPM rule implementing stricter verification for family member eligibility in health benefits, projected to save millions by curbing improper payments. President Trump signed an executive order mandating the shift to post-quantum cryptography for federal systems, protecting sensitive personnel and retirement data. The Supreme Court reshaped independent agency leadership, removing job protections for most but preserving them for the Federal Reserve. A controversial proposed NDA for federal employees sparks public and legislative opposition, while paper-based retirement applications are...

The conversation focused on key federal workforce developments for the week of June 21–27, 2026. One concept discussed was the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) expanded health data collection, which raised significant privacy concerns from lawmakers and advocacy groups due to potential HIPAA risks and OPM’s history of data breaches. The discussion explored major legislative news, including the postponement of the “Take Care of America’s Veterans” Act, largely due to controversy over proposed cuts to veteran benefits and labor protections. A key theme that emerged was heightened congressional oversight, demonstrated by demands for the release of Federal Employee Viewpoint Su...

Major updates include strict new eligibility verification requirements for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, set to begin July 1, and a looming audit to remove ineligible dependents. Rising health insurance premiums are straining both active and retired employees, with many survivors now facing “negative net annuities,” in which pension payments don’t cover health insurance premiums. Ongoing processing delays at the Office of Personnel Management continue to impact retirees. Congress debates the Jawbone Act to prevent government-imposed online censorship, while federal worker unions challenge politically charged hiring questions on USAJobs.gov. Facility relocations—NSF and HUD—are delayed and over budge...

The conversation focused on key updates affecting federal employees and retirees during the week of June 7–13, 2026. One concept discussed was the accelerated depletion date for the Social Security Trust Fund, now projected for 2032, which could trigger 22–28% benefit cuts if Congress fails to act. A key theme that emerged was the implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act, which fully repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, substantially increasing benefits for many public-sector retirees. The discussion explored ongoing disparities in cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) across retirement systems, with advocacy for the Equal COLA Act growing urgent as inflation rise...

This episode of The FED Weekly covers major developments impacting federal employees and retirees for the week of February 8-14, 2026. Key topics include the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security after Congress failed to pass a funding bill, which left essential staff unpaid and sparked a major union lawsuit. The episode also reports on the end of a ban on federal workforce reductions, a proposed overhaul of the reduction-in-force appeals process, and new guidance for reclassifying high-level positions as “at-will.” Legislative updates include the introduction of the FAIR Act for a 4.1% pay raise in 2027 and the ongoing impl...

This episode of The FED Weekly delivers comprehensive updates for federal employees and retirees for the week of May 24-30, 2026. We report exceptional growth in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), led by the International I Fund, but caution that retirees may not see the expected tax reductions. A major Supreme Court decision in Margollin v. National Association of Immigration Judges restricts federal workers' ability to bypass administrative appeals processes, even as the Merit Systems Protection Board faces operational gridlock.

A cost comparison study on suspending Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) for Medicare Advantage shows potential savings, especially...

The conversation focused on key legislative, regulatory, and operational developments affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of May 17–23, 2026. Several points were raised, including congressional efforts to address tax burdens associated with retroactive lump-sum payments and proposals to reform Social Security taxation. The discussion explored ongoing debates about pension taxation, cost-of-living adjustments, and complex rules governing Thrift Savings Plan contributions. A key theme that emerged was the contrast between legislative efforts to secure pay raises and the President’s FY 2027 budget, which proposes a pay freeze and significant agency cuts. The conversation highlighted new protections for whistleblowers, union endo...

We deliver the latest updates affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of 10-16 May 2026. The Senate approved a rule to withhold Senators’ pay during future shutdowns, echoing concerns about the disconnect between lawmakers and affected federal workers. Ongoing shutdowns caused a significant backlog in retirement claims. A new TIGTA report highlighted rising federal employee tax delinquency, with proposed measures to enable interagency sharing of noncompliance data. The IRS issued guidelines for Trump Accounts—a new retirement vehicle for minors—launching July 2026. Retirees received guidance on FEHB suspensions for Medicare Advantage and the 2026 cost-of-living adjustments: 2.8% for CSRS, 2% for FERS...

In this episode, we cover the latest developments impacting federal employees and retirees for the week of May 3–9, 2026. The episode spotlights Public Service Recognition Week, overshadowed by controversy over the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) new data policy requiring insurance carriers to submit unredacted medical records, raising privacy and HIPAA concerns from lawmakers and advocacy groups. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) milestones are discussed, including expanded telehealth, HSA eligibility, and DPC benefits. Tax reforms under the OBBBA, such as increases in SALT deduction caps and tax breaks on overtime, are highlighted. The Social Security Fairness Act’s repeal o...

Here is the weekly briefing for federal employees and retirees, covering April 26 to May 2, 2026. TSP portfolios rebounded in April after a tough start to the year, with the C Fund leading gains. The House Committee on Oversight advanced nine anti-fraud bills, targeting $186 billion in improper payments reported in 2025. A new report highlighted workforce reform costs and declining federal employee morale, with thriving rates dropping to 48%. Retirees were urged to check for updates on the implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act, as the SSA continues processing retroactive payments and benefit applications. Medicare Part B and FEHB myths were clarified...

This week’s episode of The FED Weekly covers the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, now the longest in history at 68 days, triggered by Congressional disputes over immigration agency reforms. Severe operational impacts include staff shortages and a lack of basic supplies. A Senate budget resolution may end the shutdown by mid-May. The Postal Service’s suspension of retirement fund contributions raises concerns about pension solvency. The Office of Personnel Management faces pushback over its proposal to collect extensive health benefits data, prompting calls for stricter privacy protections. Tax changes from the “One Big Beautiful Bill” offer notable new dedu...

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover major developments affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of April 12–18, 2026. Key highlights include the impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which permanently extends tax cuts, increases standard deductions, raises the SALT cap, and introduces new tax benefits and savings accounts for federal families. The episode details rising concerns about the costs and unintended consequences of workforce reforms, including disengagement and downsizing, with specific fallout in agencies such as the GSA, CDC, and IRS. There’s growing opposition to an OPM proposal to expand access to medical reco...

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover key developments affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of April 5–11, 2026. Major news includes an OPM proposal requiring insurers to submit personally identifiable health data, sparking privacy and legal concerns about HIPAA compliance and fears of data misuse. For retirees, missed deadlines for Medicare General Enrollment and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) dominated the conversation, with guidance provided on penalties and waivers. Progress updates on the Social Security Fairness Act highlight ongoing adjustments after the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset. For current employees, a new TI...

This episode of The FED Weekly covers key updates impacting federal employees and retirees from March 29 to April 4, 2026. The most significant development is the Merit Systems Protection Board’s (MSPB) new regulation eliminating appeals for job reclassifications into the Schedule PC category, reducing job security for federal workers 00:44. Additionally, federal health benefits are facing scrutiny due to a 12.3% premium increase and the removal of coverage for gender transition services 02:09. Early signals about the 2027 COLA suggest a possible increase below 2%, which has differing impacts based on retirement system 03:21. One year after the Social Security Fairness Act, retirees are seeing full re...

This episode covers key developments affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of March 22–28, 2026. We detail the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, ongoing since October 2025, and the Senate’s tentative deal to fund DHS through September, which faces resistance in the House due to disputes over border security funding 01:22. Legislative remedies to mitigate shutdown impacts are reviewed, including several proposed bills like the True Shutdown Fairness Act and the Social Security Fairness Act implementation, which repeals provisions reducing Social Security benefits for retirees and is now issuing retroactive payments—creating tax and eligibility complications for some 05:26. Concerns include a surg...

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover essential updates for federal employees and retirees for March 15-21, 2026. Key highlights include the Social Security Administration’s completion of $17 billion in retroactive payments after the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, boosting lifetime benefits for many public servants. Sunshine Week spotlighted transparency challenges, especially the reduction of FOIA officers and new policies affecting records at the Department of Homeland Security. Healthcare costs are rising sharply, with FEHB premiums up 12.3% and significant changes—such as the end of coverage for gender transition services. Administrative bottlenecks at OPM...

This episode of The FED Weekly covers the week of March 8-14, 2026, spotlighting critical updates for federal employees and retirees. Key topics include a major data breach involving the Social Security Administration, raising alarms about personal data security, and the risk of identity theft. Lawrence reviews new Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) performance data, highlighting strong gains for international funds. There’s concern that cost-of-living adjustments will be offset by significant Medicare premium hikes, thereby minimizing retirees’ real income gains. Important legislation is discussed, such as the FAIR Act, which proposes a 4.1% pay raise, and the True Shutdown Fairness Act, whic...

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover critical updates for federal employees and retirees during March 1–7, 2026. The ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, now in its third week, has left thousands without pay, heightening concerns over operational security and worker well-being. Legislative efforts like the Shutdown Fairness Act and full DHS funding are in focus. For retirees, the Social Security Fairness Act’s retroactivity problem is spotlighted, with advice on appealing denied payments, and OPM’s push toward digital retirement processing is examined amid high backlogs. Updates include 2026 cost-of-living adjustments, new retirement earnings limits, and TSP plan change...

This episode of The FED Weekly covers major developments from February 22-28, 2026, impacting both current and retired federal employees. Key topics include the ongoing partial shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security, which has disrupted agency operations and pay for thousands of essential workers, and new data on Thrift Savings Plan investment gains and the introduction of a Roth in-plan conversion tool. The episode highlights a Supreme Court decision affecting tariff policies, changes in cost-of-living projections, and a significant referendum in the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. It also examines digital shifts in benefit documentation, proposed Medicare...

We cover the latest developments impacting federal employees and retirees. The episode details the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, highlighting the uncertainty over back pay for furloughed workers due to a recent change in OPM guidance. Updates include a legislative push to expand fertility coverage in FEHB and PSHB plans, as well as the first baseline for the 2027 retirement COLA. The Social Security Administration faces staffing cuts and controversial reassignment of specialists, affecting retirees’ access to services. There's new guidance on Thrift Savings Plan rollover strategies and status updates on OPM retirement processing times. For current employees, the ep...

This episode of The FED Weekly covers major developments impacting federal employees and retirees for the week of February 8-14, 2026. Key topics include the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security after Congress failed to pass a funding bill, which left essential staff unpaid and sparked a major union lawsuit. The episode also reports on the end of a ban on federal workforce reductions, a proposed overhaul of the reduction-in-force appeals process, and new guidance for reclassifying high-level positions as “at-will.” Legislative updates include the introduction of the FAIR Act for a 4.1% 2027 pay raise and the ongoing implementation of t...

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we deliver a comprehensive update on federal workforce developments for the week of February 1-7, 2026. Key highlights include President Trump signing the $1.2 trillion Consolidated Appropriations Act, ending the partial government shutdown, and stabilizing government operations—though DHS funding remains temporarily unresolved. Federal civilian workers received a 1% pay raise, lagging behind retiree COLA increases. Major legislative movements featured reforms in procurement, early separation incentives for federal employees, and renewed interest in bills addressing retirement fairness and pay raises. OPM issued updated shutdown guidance and introduced Roth-in-Plan conversions to the Thrift Savings Plan. Retirees ar...

This episode of The FED Weekly covers the biggest federal workforce updates for January 25–31, 2026. The U.S. government entered a partial shutdown after Congress missed the funding deadline, with several agencies experiencing operational paralysis while retirement payments remain unaffected. The episode dives into issues around workforce reduction—over 317,000 jobs lost last year, revised COLA increases for retirees, and the impact of the Social Security Fairness Act. Key policy shifts include a proposed overhaul of federal performance management, union contract terminations at the VA, new pay adjustments (especially for law enforcement), and stricter rules around telework for employees with disabilities. Addi...

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover key developments for federal employees and retirees from January 18–24, 2026. The Office of Personnel Management confirmed a modest 1.0% pay raise for federal workers, while locality pay rates remain frozen. The House passed major spending bills, including provisions to extend Medicare telehealth and reform pharmacy benefit managers. Retirees saw updates to IRS tax forms and new guidance on pension rollover rules, along with reminders on how retirement timing impacts cost-of-living adjustments. Federal law enforcement received a 3.8% special salary rate increase, and the Thrift Savings Plan now automates catch-up contributions. Workforce reductions hit se...

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we review key developments for federal employees and retirees during mid-January 2026. Highlights include the House passing vital agency funding bills, new protections to ensure federal pay during shutdowns, and a crackdown on improper payments to deceased individuals. The implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act brings retroactive benefit payments to millions, while retirees see annuity increases offset by rising Medicare premiums. Updates on new digital data platforms, pay raises (with a focus on law enforcement), changes to union rights, and modernized hiring policies are covered. Lawrence also discusses ongoing challenges, including retirement...

We break down the latest news impacting federal employees and retirees. The big legislative update is the House passing HR 6938, a minibus appropriations bill that protects funding for agencies like NASA and EPA and rejects proposed budget cuts. Pay rates are set for 2026, with most federal workers receiving a modest 1% increase, while law enforcement gets a higher adjustment. Attrition is up across the federal government, with notable losses in the Departments of Education and Treasury. Retirees under CSRS and FERS will get cost-of-living increases—2.8% and 2.0% respectively. OPM changes the tax form 1099R delivery to electronic by default, and the TS...

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we recap key developments for federal employees and retirees from December 28, 2025, to January 3, 2026. Highlights include President Trump’s executive order granting extended holidays, which resulted in forfeited use-or-lose leave for some workers. Federal health benefit premiums have surged again—up 12.3% for most and 11.3% for postal workers—outpacing inflation. Congress faces a looming January 30 funding deadline after a record-breaking shutdown last fall. Retirees receive a finalized 2026 COLA: 2.8% for CSRS/Social Security and 2.0% for FERS. Errors on annuitant statements are addressed, with reassurance on actual payments. Recent Social Security bills aim to improve services but do...

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we recap significant developments for federal employees and retirees for the week of December 21–27, 2025. Key highlights include President Trump’s executive order creating a five-day federal holiday weekend, a finalized 1.0% general pay raise for most federal employees (with federal law enforcement receiving an additional adjustment), and the last steps before the Postal Service Health Benefits program launch. Lawrence also covers the substantial 12.3% health premium increases, the upcoming 2026 COLA for federal retirees, and changes in Medicare Part B premiums—warning that many retirees will see their COLA consumed by these higher costs. The episod...

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we recap significant developments for federal employees and retirees from December 14-20, 2025. Highlights include the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act, impacting the federal workforce and supply chain security, plus executive orders granting federal employees extra holiday leave and finalizing a 1% pay raise for 2026—though locality pay remains frozen. There were significant updates to federal health benefits, with premiums rising about 10% and substantial changes in coverage, including the removal of gender transition procedures. Retirees face a growing crisis as OPM's retirement processing backlog triples from the previous year, causing significant delays in...

This episode of The FED Weekly covers the critical updates for federal employees and retirees from December 7-13, 2025. Key focus areas include the end of the federal Benefits Open Season and a sharp 12.3% increase in health insurance premiums for 2026, compounding a 25% hike over two years. Budget negotiations resulted in another temporary continuing resolution, extending federal funding through March 2026 but restricting agency operations. There’s concern over minimal pay raises: most federal workers receive just a 1.0% increase (with no bump to locality pay), far below inflation, except for specific law enforcement roles, who get 3.8%. Retirees face diminishing real income, as ri...

This week on The FED Weekly, we cover the critical news for federal employees and retirees from November 30 to December 6, 2025. The Federal Benefits Open Season ends December 8, and participants must act quickly due to plan changes and increased health costs. Flexible spending account re-enrollment is required, with updated IRS limits. The anticipated 2026 pay raise stands at 1.0% for most employees, except law enforcement, who may see a 3.8% increase. Thrift Savings Plan funds show growth, while year-end withdrawal deadlines impact 2025 taxes. Retirees will receive a 2.8% COLA boost, but rising insurance premiums may offset gains. Notably, there’s a temporary block on St...

This week on The FED Weekly, we cover crucial updates for federal employees and retirees from November 23-29, 2025. The episode breaks down Federal Benefits Open Season—highlighting a significant 12.3% hike in health premiums for 2026—and details how new plan designs shift more costs onto members. Legislative efforts to tackle rising healthcare expenses, including reforms targeting pharmacy benefit managers, are also discussed. For retirees, the 2026 FERS cost-of-living adjustment is capped at 2.0%, falling short of matching premium increases, raising concerns about financial security. The episode also explains pay changes: most General Schedule workers receive only a 1.0% increase. At the same time, law...

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we recap crucial updates for federal employees and retirees for November 16–22, 2025. Key topics include the annual Federal Benefits Open Season, which features essential plan changes and mandatory actions—especially for those with terminating health or dental plans. If enrolled in a plan ending in 2025, participants must choose new coverage or risk automatic enrollment in a high-premium default plan or loss of dental coverage. The episode also spotlights changes in Thrift Savings Plan catch-up contributions, with high earners required to use Roth options for 2026. For retirees, it covers cost-of-living adjustments and special open seas...